Sturgeon says second Scottish referendum ‘highly likely’

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said a second independence referendum is “highly likely” after the U.K. voted for Brexit.

Her comments follow the U.K. voting to leave the EU, despite all 32 Scottish constituencies voting for Remain.

A second referendum “must be on the table and it is on the table,” Sturgeon said in a press conference in Edinburgh.

Despite the result, Scotland would stay in the EU and the single market, she added.

“My priority will be to act in the best interests of Scotland, in a way that unites not divides us,” said the First Minister. “The vote across England and Wales was a rejection of the EU. This vote was a clear expression of disaffection of the political system. Westminster has some serious soul-searching to do. I hope it now does it.”

“We are determined that Scotland will continue now and in the future to be a stable place to do business.”

When Britain started to negotiate its departure from the EU according to Article 50 of the bloc’s basic treaty, Scotland would be dragged out of the bloc within two years, Sturgeon said.

“We will begin to prepare the legislation for that to take place,” she added.

“England, Wales and Northern Ireland will always be our closest neighbours and closest friends,” Sturgeon said. “I am proud of how we [Scotland] voted yesterday. We proved we are a modern and inclusive country.”

Sturgeon concluded by paying tribute to David Cameron, the departing Prime Minister. She acknowledged they had a serious political disagreement, but also praised Cameron.

Over the past six years, she said, the Prime Minister had done a “tough job,” adding that he “deserves thanks for his service.”

Bob Burns

Roy Jacobs

Delicious, go on try it, leave the UK, take the Euro.
Like selling a warm ice cream.

Posted on 6/24/16 | 1:28 PM CET

S.Alexander

Some older person said to me today: “I think they voted hoping to remake the Great Empire that they were.”

“And insted they may end up as Little England”. I replied. (And Wales)

Posted on 6/24/16 | 1:30 PM CET

Marcel

The thing is, the UK is (was) a net contributor. That net contribution is now gone. All EU subsidies to England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland are in fact UK subsidies. In fact, the irony is that the subsidies Sturgeon thinks an independent Scotland would get from Brussels, were paid for mostly by English taxpayers.

Do Scottish nationalists really think Germany is going to volunteer to cover for the loss of the UK’s net contribution? No, it will be the other way around. Scotland will be expected to pay for the loss of subsidies for French farmers, and if Scotland joins the Euro it can also pay for bailouts for French and German bankers.

I’m sure the poor and middle class in Scotland would be very happy to suffer EU/IMF/ECB mandated austerity in order to make such bailouts possible. Have at it, Nicola.

Posted on 6/24/16 | 1:30 PM CET

them

Little England jibes – that’s why the leave won – ignore legitimate concerns and mock them – well done to all concerned.

Posted on 6/24/16 | 1:50 PM CET

Thomas

I am and have always been British; being educated and younger than 50 I hold the opposite opinion to that adopted yesterday; this time I’ll be cheering for Scottish independence, albeit vicariously. Better that somebody manages to escape this mess.

Posted on 6/24/16 | 2:40 PM CET

Alex

The SNP are afraid to hold a second referendum because they will simply lose again, if it was going to be a reality Sturgeon would be setting a date today but they are worried, how to appease their nationalist supporters desire for independence against the reality of being in the total wilderness.
The UK has chosen to leave the EU, Scotland was never an individual member so will have to apply as a new member state, that means the euro and most likely a border from England to prevent uncontrolled migration. The same 55% who rejected Scottish independence before still live here, how many would choose to join the SNP this time? not many I think.
The SNP are afraid of true independence, after all they wanted to keep the Queen in their last proposal! they offered no serious land reform and had a very poor deal on crown estates income which should all have gone to Scotland and not the Queen.
I think the SNP are now trying to figure out how to look like something is preventing them from going for a second referendum…they really are afraid that they may get what they stand for.

Posted on 6/24/16 | 4:05 PM CET

FierEuropeen

The EU will not let you be entrained by the english monkeys. You are EU citizens, not english. Make the referendum and kick the dumb english.

Scotland can’t hold an independence referendum without permission from the UK government. So Sturgeon is just flapping her jaws and making a row, as usual.

Posted on 6/24/16 | 6:27 PM CET

BRITISH PORKER

Sturgeon says what she does she does for Scotland, but really she does it blindly to further her own career and is no different to Cameron. Scotland will not leave the UK unless it wants to be bankrupt and then it will really know about austerity. Oil is finished for Scotland at current prices so get real you stupid woman and stop posing at the expense of poor Scots. Now read what Marcel and Alex said below; they are sopt on right.

Posted on 6/24/16 | 7:56 PM CET

FierEuropeen

@ Alex
Scotland will not have to apply to the EU, because Scotland is already in the EU (on 43 years).
Scottish people were simple robbed of their European identity by the egotists english, as it is the same case of the NI and Gibraltar. The UK is doomed, it will be no more. Mark my words.